CHAPTER 4
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To consider the implication of the vision of God on His throne
2) To note that this vision along with the one in chapter five will set the stage for what follows
SUMMARY
The visions of Revelation now begin in earnest. Upon seeing a door standing open in heaven and hearing a trumpet-like voice promising to show him of things which must take place, John is transported to the throne room of God. He describes what he sees and hears with vivid and colorful imagery. The One on the throne radiates like white and red sparkling stones and is surrounded by an emerald rainbow. The colors may reflect the characteristics of God, such as His holiness, righteousness, justice, and mercy (1-3). John takes special note of twenty-four elders clothed with white robes and crowns of gold, sitting on thrones around the throne of God. Summers and Hailey suggest that they depict the twelve patriarchs of Israel and the twelve apostles, who represent the redeemed of both covenants now united in Christ. Note that in 5:8-9 they do seem to speak in behalf of the redeemed (4). From the throne proceed lightnings, thunderings, and voices, which may illustrate the divine power and judgments coming from God. Before the throne are seven lamps of fire, explained as the seven Spirits of God. This likely symbolizes the Holy Spirit in His work of illumination and revelation of God's word to man (Summers).
A sea of glass like crystal is also before the throne, perhaps symbolizing the transcendence of God that presently separates God and His people (5-6a). Then there are four living creatures, similar in some respects and yet different in others, united in their constant praise of God for His eternal holiness. Though not exactly like the cherubim seen by Ezekiel (cf. Ezek 1, 10), they appear to serve similar functions. Hailey suggests they may be a special order of heavenly beings, perhaps the highest and closest to the throne, who serve God's majestic will (6b-8). As the four living creatures praise Him who sits on the throne, the twenty-four elders join in by falling down, casting their crowns before the throne, and praising God as the Eternal Creator (9-11). This scene, along with the one in chapter five, appears designed to set the stage for what follows. At the outset, we are shown the first guarantee of ultimate victory: God is on His throne! (Summers) The praise offered by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders reinforce the truth that the One on the throne (and therefore in ultimate control) is none other than the Lord God Almighty, Eternal and Holy, the Creator who holds all things together. He is therefore worthy of glory, honor and power! He is the one to revere, not man!
OUTLINE
I. THE THRONE SCENE (1-8)
A. JOHN TAKEN TO HEAVEN (1)
B. HE DESCRIBES THE THRONE SCENE (2-8)
II. GOD PRAISED AS THE CREATOR (9-11)
A. PROMPTED BY THE LIVING CREATURES (9)
B. OFFERED BY THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS (10-11)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
2) When the Lord has finished with His letters to the churches, what does John see? (1)
3) What does John hear? What is he told he will see? (1)
4) What is the first thing he notices? (2)
5) How does John describe the appearance of the One on the throne?
6) What is the color of the rainbow around the throne? (3)
7) What is around the throne? (4)
8) What proceeds from the throne? (5)
9) What stands before the throne? (5)
10) What lies before the throne? (6)
11) What is seen in the midst and around the throne? How are they described? (6-8)
12) What do they proclaim without rest, day and night? (8)
13) Whenever the four creatures offer glory, honor, and thanks to God, what happens? (9-10)
14) Why do the twenty-four elders deem God worthy of glory, honor, and power? (11)
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